Grand National jockey Robbie Dunne broke his collarbone after falling from 33-1 shot Stellar Story at the 19th fence at Aintree, with the horse rolling onto him. He faces a month on the sidelines
Grand National jockey Robbie Dunne faces a period out of action after suffering a broken collarbone in a tumble from 33-1 outsider Stellar Story.
The duo became separated at the 19th obstacle of 30 in Saturday’s Randox-sponsored spectacle, which was claimed by Willie Mullins-trained favourite I Am Maximus. Dunne required attention from the on-course medical staff when Stellar Story tumbled onto him on the landing side of the spruce fence.
Medical personnel rushed to assist him and he was transported to nearby Fazakerely Hospital for scans on the injury. Dunne’s agent Neil Popham said: “Robbie broke his collarbone in the fall. The horse rolled onto him and he is a bit stiff and sore.”
“The race was going well up to that point so it was a shame. He was able to go home last night and a family member picked him up from the hospital. The injury should keep him on the sidelines for about a month but he’ll be working with the staff at Oaksey House in Lambourn to get back as quick as he can.”
An initial statement from Aintree Racecourse on Saturday confirmed Dunne was conscious and talking following assessment, reports the Mirror.
A Grade One victor at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, Stellar Story was tackling a contest beyond 3m2f for the first time.
Dunne was amongst 14 riders in the gruelling contest who fell or were unseated, while four others pulled their mounts up. That left 16 horses and jockeys to navigate the four-and-a-quarter mile course, with I Am Maximus becoming the first thoroughbred to carry top weight and reclaim his title since Red Rum in the seventies.
Owner JP McManus also had the second horse, Iroko, and fourth, Johnnywho, flanking Jordans, who maintained a clear lead over the final few jumps.
Top Of The Bill and Quai De Bourbon were returned to their stables after further examination, but Mr Vango is currently at Leahurst Equine Hospital with a neck fracture.
The well-liked staying chaser is expected to fully recover, according to trainer Sara Bradstock, who is closely monitoring him alongside her daughter and groom Lily.
“There was a worry briefly last night, but we’re all a lot happier now and he’s moving around normally,” Sara stated.